Qasim’s comprehensive policies include 30,000 housing units

Jumhooree Party (JP) presidential candidate Qasim Ibrahim's manifesto calls for a comprehensive solution to address housing issues, aiming to provide 30,000 housing units for those in need of basic shelter.

During a forum organized to elaborate on the manifesto's components, Moosa Nizar, a policy maker for JP, emphasized that the underlying cause of significant social challenges lies in the persistent lack of proper housing over the past fifty years.

"Even now, Malé alone requires 25,000 housing units, and based on that, the entire Maldives needs 40,000 shelters or plots," Nizar said. He claimed that Qasim's policy to address this issue is effective.

If elected, Qasim’s administration will initiate the development of 30,000 housing units during his term. Nizar said half of the units will be developed in the Malé region.

Qasim's "Guaranteed Housing" policy includes waiving rents for tenants currently residing in various state-initiated social housing units. Additionally, the manifesto includes the provision of low equity and low interest housing loans tailored for the atolls.

- 18,000 housing units for newlywed couples

- Housing loans at 10 percent equity and five percent interest

- 6,000 housing units in the fixed rate ‘Ujalaa Gedhoru’ scheme

- 6,000 housing units under the luxury ‘Nala Gedhoru’ scheme

- Special housing scheme for Maldives National Defense Force and Maldives Police Service officials and judges

Hinna Khalid, a member of the JP manifesto committee, said that a major issue in past housing schemes was the improper allocation of units to their rightful owners. She asserted that this concern would be effectively addressed under Qasim's leadership through the establishment of a "Gedhoru Yageen" portal (Guaranteed Housing portal).

Hinna further said the portal will be developed using Artificial Intelligence, which would provide detailed information of housing scheme applicants transparently.

Kendhoo MP Ali Hussain, who participated as a panelist in the forum, highlighted that residents from other atolls did not move to the Malé region solely for housing schemes. He said that many were compelled to relocate to pursue better education and healthcare, matters that had been neglected by previous administrations. The MP further said that housing initiatives in Vilimalé and Hulhumalé failed to resolve housing challenges since the underlying causes were never properly addressed.

"God willing, we will go to root of the problem and resolve it to regional prosperity," the Kendhoo MP said.

Both Qasim and his running mate Ameen Ibrahim assured their government will not repossess the housing units awarded to eligible applicants under the current government’s “Gedhoruveriya” scheme.

Ameen promised a peaceful and joyous future for the public under Qasim’s presidency. He added that their government will ensure establishment of rule of law and justice to ensure protection of the citizens’ rights.

“We aim to deliver on our promises. No one should worry about that,” Ameen assured the public they do not have worry about being excluded from housing schemes that would be initiated under a Qasim-led government.

Qasim also pledged to decrease state debt and expenditure while simultaneously boosting the country's productivity. JP asserts that the party's manifesto, comprising of 15 major policies, will usher in a new era of progress for the Maldives.

The party further said that its candidate had both the capacity and experience to ensure making this a reality.